Pennsylvania Vital Records

Pennsylvania vital records consist of data that documents an individual's major life events. Often called vital statistics, these life events include an individual's birth and death records. A bureau of vital statistics in each state is responsible for recording these events when they occurred within that state. This department of vital records is known as the Division of Vital Records in Pennsylvania. The division chronicles these life events and can provide proof of them in the form of certificates or records. Some of these documents, like a birth certificate, can be vital in proving an individual's identity and can help establish a Pennsylvania resident's United States citizenship status. Items like death certificates are essential in matters regarding insurance, estates, pensions and Social Security benefits. Eligible petitioners can order vital certificates online through a reliable third-party provider. Pennsylvania's office of vital statistics offers additional ways in which you can request these records including by phone, via mail or in person. Keep in mind that the vital records office only has statistics dating from 1906 to the present date, and any request for older records may need to be taken another nongovernment agency like a church or historical society.

Vital statistic information can include on an individual's marriage and divorce, although these records may fall within the domain of another organization. The department of vital statistics in Pennsylvania is only responsible for birth and death records in the state. Applicants requesting state vital records regarding marriages or divorces will need to submit their requests through a government office in the county where the marriage or divorce took place. A county courthouse's marriage license clerk is responsible for keeping records on marriages dating from as far back as 1885 as well as providing marriage certificates. However, divorce records dating from 1804 to the present date are managed through a county prothonotary's office. More information on Pennsylvania vital records can be found in the following sections, including details on the ways you can order these records.

Pennsylvania Birth Records

A Pennsylvania birth record is the first vital record a person born in the state receives, which documents the details of his or her birth. Birth certificates are your first form of legal identification and are essential for everyday life. An original birth certificate is first completed by a medical professional upon the birth and contains detailed information regarding the baby's parentage, weight, ethnicity and so forth. After this document is filed with the state, copies of the certificate can be requested online, by mail or in person at a local Division of Vital Records office. Birth records are available for every birth that has occurred in Pennsylvania since 1906. A certified birth certificate possesses the official state seal and contains basic information such as the registrant's name, parents' names, the place of birth and the date of birth. This certificate can be used for various purposes and should be stored in personal records. Read More

Pennsylvania Death Records

Pennsylvania death records are legal statements accounting for an individual's death. A copy of death certificate records becomes available once a medical examiner has officially declared the death and files the record with the state. You will want to conduct a death certificate search to obtain a copy of the record so you can handle the last affairs of the deceased with more efficiency. You can find a death certificate by ordering one online, by mail or in person at a local Division of Vital Records office. The process entails searching a death index of all recorded deaths in Pennsylvania since the year 1906. Although there are public death records for deaths that have occurred between 1906 and 1965, only certain individuals are permitted to request a certified copy of a death certificate for official use. Read More

Pennsylvania Marriage Records

A Pennsylvania marriage license is issued when an intended couple formally requests to have their union recognized through the Marriage License Bureau in a Pennsylvania county courthouse. A marriage certificate becomes available once the newlyweds file the license with the bureau. Many people request copies of marriage records because those documents are necessary to begin building a new life as a married couple, including buying a home together. There are many steps involved in completing a marriage registration and it is important to understand how to obtain these marriage documents and the differences between them. Read More

Pennsylvania Divorce Records

Divorce records become available after a judge has finalized the dissolution of marriage. A divorce certificate is a useful document to keep in your files because it enables you to move forward after your marriage has been dissolved legally. When you wonder, “Where can I get a copy of my divorce papers?” you most likely are looking for the certificate because there are legal matters you need to take care of. In Pennsylvania, marriage and divorce records can only be found in the county court where the event took place and the documents were filed. Therefore, a copy of divorce papers will need to be requested through the county clerk's office where your divorce was granted. Read More

What Health Services Are Available in Pennsylvania?

From Obamacare health insurance plans to Medicaid and Medicare, there are various types of health coverage available in Pennsylvania. Each type of insurance can be accessed through a different application method. To learn about the easiest ways to apply for affordable health care in GA, download our comprehensive guide on health services.

Who Is Eligible for Affordable Health Services in Pennsylvania?

Affordable and free health services are often limited to Pennsylvania residents who meet all established eligibility requirements. Income, age and household size are often key factors taken into consideration when determining an applicant’s qualifications. Discover if you qualify for free or reduced-cost health insurance by reviewing the in-depth information on all program eligibility requirements within our comprehensive guide.